PROPER MOTIVATION IN GIVING
Giving is an expression of worship that commemorates God’s grace. ‘Grace’ is all that God can do for man (based on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross) and remain consistent with His own character. Grace is freely given — neither earned nor deserved.
Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon every believer by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation for a particular service in the body of Christ. The spiritual gift of giving enables certain believers to contribute above and beyond the normal function of giving (2 Corinthians 8:3,4).
A giver is the recipient of both spiritual and material blessings from God (note “from God”). God provides everything for giving. Therefore, giving with the proper mental attitude is very important. If your attitude toward giving is not motivated by love and gratitude to the Lord, do not give.
True grace-giving is a “spiritual matter.” Spiritual giving requires proper motivation and the filling of the Spirit. What is meant by proper motivation? Proper motivation means: giving without thought of recognition or reward, so that giving reflects God’s grace and glorifies God.
Spiritual giving is achieved by the “filling of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; cf., 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3).
God’s Grace Is Forever, Because God IS.
God’s grace continues in every generation in every believer, because God’s grace continues forever. The Christian life is performed by God the Holy Spirit, just as Christ performed salvation on the cross in obedience to the Father’s Plan. Therefore, “God’s work on our behalf makes possible our service.” — C.S. Craig.
God places circumstances, opportunities, and people in our lives, because God has purpose for doing so. Part of God’s Plan is that we believers utilize our spiritual gifts to glorify Him by helping each other.
In 2 Corinthians 9:15 the word “indescribable” is used by Paul. It is found only here in the New Testament. It carries the idea of ineffable (too wonderful to be expressed), and regards Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which is the highest form that Love can give. If we could only learn to give of ourselves as Christ gave of Himself — to us.
Word of Truth Ministries does not solicit or accept funds or contributions. Please give to your local church, or low income families in your neighborhood. Give directly to people in need. This is what true love-giving is all about.
Do you really think that God rewards your giving when your true motivation is a tax write-off?
Think on this: you will never be filled with enough money, enough alcohol, enough caffeine, enough sweets, enough recognition (praise). In short you’ll never be filled unless you are filled with the Holy Spirit. — C. S. Craig.
Happy Studying in Fields of Grace.